If you compare the costs of a fractured bone to the cost of the Vitamin D test – well, there is no comparison, said Jill Doerfler, M.D.

          Dr. Doerfler, St. Rose Family Medicine physician, said some fractures could affect every part of life, while the Vitamin D test is only $25. The test is being offered for the first time at the regular St. Rose Health Center blood screening.

          The next St. Rose screening is set for 6:30 to 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23 at the facility. The walk-in event is open to the public on St. Rose’s first floor.

          “Vitamin D is crucial to bone health,” Dr. Doerfler said. “It must be combined with calcium to help prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures.

A broken bone can cost you thousands of dollars, your mobility and maybe even your livelihood for an indefinite period.

          “Some places charge $250 or $300 for this test but for $25 at St. Rose you can determine if you need to be concerned about a deficiency,” she continued. “This is equally important for women and men.”

          Vitamin D allows calcium absorption and is added to some foods. However, sunshine is the best source of the vitamin.

          Bone pain can be one symptom of a deficiency, Dr. Doerfler said, noting menopausal women and newborns without breast milk may be more apt to lack Vitamin D.

          The family-medicine doctor noted that Vitamin D is fat-soluble, which means it can be stored in the liver. “Other vitamins pass through urination,” she said. “But Vitamin D works differently.”

Dr. Doerfler suggests talking with a primary-care physician about a recommended dose for a Vitamin D supplement that should be coupled with calcium.

“They work together as a team,” she said. “Your doctor can help you figure out the right amount for each.”

Other tests offered at each St. Rose blood screening are a $25 blood profile that involves a complete blood count; comprehensive analysis of more than 20 blood chemistries; lipid profile for breakdowns of cholesterol and triglyceride numbers; and a thyroid test. Fasting is highly recommended.

However, it is not necessary to fast before the other two blood tests. One is the $16 PSA that checks a man’s prostate and the other is the $7.50 HGBA1C test for diabetes.

          Neither a doctor’s referral nor an appointment is required; cash and checks are accepted.

          St. Rose specializes in primary care, prevention and wellness. Services include St. Rose Family Medicine, Convenient Care Walk-in Clinic, Great Bend Internists, imaging, Special Nursing Services, one-day surgical procedures, Golden Belt Home Health & Hospice and a comprehensive Specialty Clinic. St. Rose is co-owned by Hays Medical Center and Centura Health.